Your baby’s skin is very delicate and vulnerable to damage in the first few weeks after birth, so you need to take great care when cleansing his skin at nappy changes.

Sharon Trotter is a midwife and mother of four, who has carried out research into the best way to care for newborn skin*. These are her recommendations:

• You should only use plain water and cotton wool to cleanse your baby’s skin for the first 4 weeks.
  
• Baby wipes should be mild and alcohol-free. They should be avoided for the first 4 weeks.
  
• Bath your baby only in plain water for the first 4 weeks. You can then gradually introduce tiny amounts of a baby bath product. This should be of neutral pH, contain minimal dyes and perfumes and only be used 2 – 3 times a week.
  
• If needed, use a thin layer of petroleum jelly as a protection against nappy rash. If your baby does get nappy rash, use a small quantity of a zinc-based cream.
  
• Bedding and clothes that come into contact with your baby’s skin should be washed in non-biological powder and be rinsed thoroughly. If you use fabric conditioner, try to use products that are free from colours and perfumes.
  For more information visit www.sharontrotter.org.uk

* Trotter S (2002) Skincare for the newborn: exploring the potential harm of manufactured products. RCM Midwives Journal 5 (11): 376-8

Last Updated: July 26, 2007